ABOUT US

LANGUAGE COACHING AND MORE: THE LEARNBASE-METHOD

With the aim to build a bridge between the latest research in second language learning and daily teaching practices, we combine an individual coaching process with the best from language learning in practise, communicative classroom based teaching with and an online database that meets the individual participant’s needs and wants.

The method consists of the following:

• Language learning coaching

• Practising language in daily life situations

• Communicative classroom based activities to practice the language

• A digital media in a database that delivers both didactic and authentic material

The LearnBase model was developed, tried out and evaluated through comprehensive cooperation with Studieskolen, Welcome House, The Royal Danish Defense College and Dansk Oplysnings Forbund in Denmark, Folkeuniversitetet in Norway and Sweden, The Royal Danish Defense College, Volkschochschule Wiesbaden and Central Pentru Formarea in Romania.

LANGUAGE LEARNING COACHING

Language learning coaching is a method for determining each learner’s language-learning goals and how best to achieve them and measure progress toward their achievement. The method consists of at least three or more one-on-one face-to-face conferences between the language learning coach and the language learner. The coach can be the teacher in the communicative classroom activities, but this need not be the case.

The coach must have some training in language learning coaching. We have found that this type of coaching is similar to life coaching, but not entirely. There are distinct differences. Our experience informs us that the language learning coaching tends to be organic and rather open. The coach helps the learner to define the goal, and to reflect about resources and learning styles by asking open ended questions. Toward the end of each coaching session the learner creates an action plan. When defining the action plan, the coach might shift rolls a bit to act as a counsellor, using his knowledge about learning languages to assist the learner in defining a realistic, concrete action plan.

The coach might explore the learner’s time constraints in order to evaluate whether the learner’s goals are reasonable. The learner then works with the coach to devise a learning plan for activities outside of the classroom that will help the learner achieve the goals identified in the action plan. The goals should be SMART, that is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-related.

The outside activities could include using the online platform to find authentic language links or autodidactic exercises. The activities could include attending events in the learner’s neighborhood where the language might be used. The key to success is that the learner takes on the responsibility of determining the activities that will be engaged in, not the coach. In this way, the learner takes control of his/her language learning.

The next coaching session can review the progress toward the goals and modify them, as necessary, based on the learner’s experience or change in circumstances. A final coaching session can be useful for establishing life-long language-learning goals.

TASK-BASED LANGUAGE LEARNING

Communicative language learning is based on the theory that the primary goal of language use is communication. Its primary goal is for language learners to acquire communicative competence. They do this by engaging in social interactions where the learners can pursue a common goal, exchange information and opinions and negotiate meaning. The teacher introduces tasks in the classroom setting that promote the foregoing. The tasks should be designed to encourage collaboration.

THE DIGITAL MEDIA DATABASE

The digital media database is a resource of links that provide the teachers and learners a variety of resources, both authentic and didactic that can be used in- and outside the classroom to enhance and contribute to the learning experience. It is designed so that the learners can create their own learning spaces. The database is dynamic and dependent upon collaboration of the teaching members of LearnBase. The collaboration allows the database to include appropriate and meaningful access to authentic materials and didactic resources which can be part of the learning plan devised during the learners’ coaching sessions.